John C. Birdlebough High School Drama Club to Present Fall Play, ‘Murder with Grace’

PHOENIX — The John C. Birdlebough High School Drama Club will present its fall production of “Murder with Grace,” a dark comedy about love, jealousy and murder, according to a release from the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation.

The story follows Grace Neville, who is unhappy when her brother becomes engaged to Naomi Tourneau. Grace and her friend Beth devise a scheme to redirect Naomi’s attention toward a wealthier suitor, Henry Huntington. Their plan takes an unexpected turn when Grace meets Henry and falls for him herself. With Henry also interested in Naomi, Grace faces an increasingly complicated predicament and considers an unconventional solution.

“We are so proud of the time, creativity and dedication our students have put into bringing this production to life,” said Drama Club Co-Advisors Lisa Spereno and Liana Knapp. “From the performers on stage to the students working behind the scenes, it takes an entire team to make a production like this happen. We look forward to sharing their hard work with the community.”

The cast includes Sadie Grethel as Grace Neville, Becca Peterson as Beth Hobbs, Ricky Noeller as Henry Huntington, Janae Adams as Naomi Tourneau, Amie Trang as Eleanor Huntington, Colin Rathbun as Colonel Huntington, Jaz Jandzio as John Neville, Wyatt Scruton as Mr. Neville, Rylee Carfagno as Mrs. Neville and MaKenzie Keller as the Constable.

Faith Thomas serves as stage manager, with Raven Brunelle as assistant stage manager and Amelia Counterman and Jareth Smith as stage hands. The technical team includes TJ LaRose and Danika Wright on lights, with Griffin Evans as a trainee; Carter Bidwell on sound, with Kole Dates as a trainee; and Shay Grevelding and Eli Sherman handling props.

Additional production support includes the costume and makeup crew of Kerrigan Hendry, Claire Pritting, Kendall Hendry, Lydia Liscomb and Rose Dullen; photographer Wyatt Scruton; and usher Bella Whitehead. Mirabella Beerman, Alex Yager and Sonny Cannata round out the production team as the Mixologist Mafia.

Performances will take place in the John C. Birdlebough High School Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, where payment is by cash or check only. Seating is general admission.

Source: Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation.